SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY TROPICAL FAT FREE1X3.5 OZ
SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY TROPICAL FAT FREE receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and status as an ultra-processed food.
FoodScore: 0/100 (Avoid) due to nutritional profile.
Contains 54.23g of added sugar per 100g, contributing to empty calories.
Classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food.
Provides no protein, fiber, or essential micronutrients.
Best consumed infrequently and in very small portions, if at all.
Scores -15 points above the sweet category average (15/100 across 1084 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0g
0% of Daily Value
Added sugar
54.23g
108% of Daily Value
Sodium
87.98mg
4% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (54.2g)-25
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 0
SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY TROPICAL FAT FREE scores 0 out of 100, reflecting its minimal nutritional value and high concentration of components that detract from a healthy diet. The primary driver of this score is the significant amount of added sugar, which stands at 54.23g per 100g. This contributes to a high calorie count (374.75 calories per 100g) without providing essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. The product is also classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is ultra-processed, a factor that incurs a penalty in the FoodScore system. Ingredients like SUGAR, INVERT SUGAR, and CORN SYRUP are listed as the first three ingredients, indicating their predominant presence. While the product is marketed as 'FAT FREE,' this claim does not offset the other nutritional concerns. Compared to a generic unbranded version of this food, SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY TROPICAL FAT FREE exhibits a similar nutritional profile, characterized by a lack of beneficial nutrients and a high concentration of added sugars.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in sour patch kids soft candy tropical fat free1x3.5 oz actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a quick source of energy
SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY, like other sugar-based candies, offers a rapid energy boost due to its high content of simple carbohydrates from sugar and corn syrup. This can be useful in specific, rare situations where immediate glucose is needed, such as during intense, prolonged physical activity or to quickly address low blood sugar in individuals with diabetes. However, this energy is short-lived and not sustained.
Fat-free option
This product is completely fat-free, containing 0g of total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat per 100g. For individuals strictly monitoring their fat intake, particularly saturated and trans fats, SOUR PATCH KIDS can fit into a diet from that specific perspective. However, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile, as the absence of fat does not equate to a healthy food choice given the high sugar content.
Specific use for flavor and texture
SOUR PATCH KIDS provides a distinct sweet and sour flavor profile and a chewy texture that some consumers enjoy. While not a nutritional benefit, for those seeking a specific sensory experience, this product delivers on that front. It can be used in very small, infrequent portions as an occasional treat within an otherwise balanced dietary pattern.
SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY TROPICAL FAT FREE receives a FoodScore of 0/100 (Avoid), primarily due to its high added sugar content and status as an ultra-processed food.
How to eat it
SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY is typically consumed as a snack or treat, often in a single sitting. Due to its high sugar content and lack of nutrients, it is not intended as a regular part of a meal or daily routine. Portions can easily exceed recommended limits, leading to excessive sugar intake.
Practice mindful eating by portioning out a small, predetermined amount (e.g., 5-6 pieces) into a separate dish to avoid overconsumption directly from the bag.
Consider pairing a very small portion with a nutrient-dense food like a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit to add fiber and protein, which can help mitigate the sugar spike.
Use SOUR PATCH KIDS as an infrequent indulgence, reserving it for special occasions rather than a regular snack. This helps maintain a balanced dietary pattern.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution with SOUR PATCH KIDS is its exceptionally high added sugar content, which can contribute to dental caries, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases when consumed regularly in large amounts. The product contains several artificial colors, specifically YELLOW 6, RED 40, and BLUE 1. While approved for use by the FDA, some individuals, particularly children, may experience sensitivities or behavioral changes linked to artificial food dyes. The ingredient list also includes modified corn starch, which is generally recognized as safe but contributes to the ultra-processed nature of the food. Individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, should exercise extreme caution due to the rapid impact of simple sugars on glucose levels.
No, SOUR PATCH KIDS SOFT CANDY is not considered healthy. It has a FoodScore of 0/100, indicating it offers minimal nutritional value. Its high content of added sugars and lack of essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals means it does not contribute positively to a balanced diet.
How does SOUR PATCH KIDS compare to other candies?
SOUR PATCH KIDS is nutritionally similar to many other sugar-based candies, such as Skittles or gummy bears, in its high sugar content and lack of beneficial nutrients. It is an ultra-processed food (NOVA class 4), typical of most mainstream candies. It does not offer any significant nutritional advantages over similar products in the sweet candy category.
What is 'invert sugar' in the ingredient list?
Invert sugar is a type of sugar syrup made from sucrose that has been split into glucose and fructose. It is used in SOUR PATCH KIDS to enhance sweetness and texture, and to prevent crystallization. Nutritionally, it functions similarly to other added sugars, contributing to the overall sugar load of the product.
What is a reasonable portion size for SOUR PATCH KIDS?
A reasonable portion size for SOUR PATCH KIDS, given its nutritional profile, would be very small and infrequent. The manufacturer's serving size is 16 pieces (40g), which contains over 20g of added sugar. For most individuals, consuming even half of this serving size occasionally would be more appropriate to minimize added sugar intake.
Can SOUR PATCH KIDS be part of a balanced diet?
SOUR PATCH KIDS can be part of a balanced diet only when consumed very sparingly and in small amounts. It should be viewed as an occasional treat rather than a regular food item. A balanced diet prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods, and this product does not align with those principles due to its high sugar and ultra-processed nature.